Why Staten Island Never Got a Subway & Update on NYC Congestion Pricing Impact | Kenneth Gold

Ever wonder why Staten Island feels disconnected from the rest of New York City? The answer goes far deeper than geography… and it starts with transportation decisions made generations ago. In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, host Gregg Goldfarb is joined by historian and CUNY professor Kenneth Gold (aka Dr. Forgotten Borough) to explain why Staten Island never became part of New York City's subway system and how that absence continues to shape the borough's identity, politics, and daily life. From missed early opportunities and the rise of car culture to the realities of ferries and express buses, Ken explains how Staten Island became New York City's most isolated borough. The conversation also turns to the present, examining NYC's new congestion pricing plan and how it's already changing traffic patterns, commuter behavior, and the city's transportation future. This episode blends urban history with modern policy, revealing how infrastructure decisions ripple across decades–and why transportation remains one of the most powerful forces shaping New York City. What to expect in this episode: Why Staten Island never received a subway connection (and why it likely never will) How car culture reshaped Staten Island's development and political identity The truth behind ferry expansion and commuter transportation options Why Staten Islanders often feel "forgotten" by City Hall How congestion pricing is playing out in Manhattan so far The economic, environmental, and political impacts of congestion pricing What Staten Island's transportation story reveals about NYC's broader planning failures   📌 Want to stay updated on our latest podcasts? Subscribe to Cut to the Chase: Podcast Newsletter for monthly podcast releases and the latest legal news: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/KqDopgE    Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Buy Ken's book, "The Forgotten Borough" by Kenneth Gold: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-forgotten-borough/9780231208611    This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.